The Essence of Shinto

Japan's Spiritual Heart

Motohisa Yamakage

An in-depth exploration of the core values of Shinto and the role of spirituality in our daily lives.

The Essence of Shinto

Japan's Spiritual Heart

Motohisa Yamakage

A Publication of Kodansha USA

Description

In The Essence of Shinto, revered Shinto master Motohisa Yamakage explains the core values of Shinto and explores both basic tenets and its more esoteric points in terms readily accessible to the modern Western reader. He shows how the long history of Shintoism is deeply woven into the fabric of Japanese spirituality and mythology--indeed, it is regarded as Japan's very spiritual roots--and discusses its role in modern Japan and the world. He also carefully analyzes the relationship of the spirit and the soul, which will provide informed and invaluable insight into how spirituality affects our daily existence. Through the author's emphasis on the universality of Shinto and its prevalence in the natural world, the book will appeal to all readers with an appreciation
of humanity's place in nature and the individual's role in the larger society.

The Essence of Shinto

Japan's Spiritual Heart

Motohisa Yamakage

A Publication of Kodansha USA

Author Information

Motohisa Yamakage was born in 1925 and brought up in an old Shintoist family. In 1956, he became the 79th Grand Master of Yamakage Shinto. Grand Master Yamakage has played a leading role in introducing Shinto to people around the world and many of his essays, translated into German, French, and English, have been published in leading European magazines. In 2005, Motohisa Yamakage retired and was succeeded by hisson, Hitoyoshi Yamakage.